Lighthouse Establishment rouge powder storage container. Two tags located here with the
words "Rouge Powder" stamped into it and "US Lighthouse Establishment" mark this
storage container. This can was probably purchased from an outside vendor and then
marked after the lighthouse service purchased it.

The rouge pwder storage container was used to store raw rouge in which
was used in polishing brassware. It was sometimes transferred to a smaller
brass storage can and that can was stored in the keepers service basket. The
service basket was used to hold rags, store the rouge can in and scissors
for example for trimming the lighthouse oil lamp wicks.

These containers were designed to keep the rouge powder ready
for use. We are looking into the use of the rouge powder right now and will
post more when we learn other uses it had. These containers were made out of
galvanized medal and then had the lighthouse plates soldered onto them to
indicate they were for lighthouse use.

As with all objects in the
lighthouse service, it was marked with a US Lighthouse Establishment plate
that was soldered onto the piece indicating it was probably purchased from an outside
vendor. These containers were one of the few
items that the lighthouse service purchased from outside vendors as they
made most everything they needed.